David H. Kent
David H. Kent, a beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, humor, and devotion to those he loved.
Born in Philadelphia, David grew up in Morristown, New Jersey. He attended St. George’s School in Newport, RI before continuing his education at Cornell University. After college, he served his country in the Army, as part of the signal corps where he laid the foundation for his career in communications and technology.
In 1959, David married the love of his life, Dana, beginning a partnership that would span more than 6 decades and take them across the country and around the world. The couple spent their early married years in Bisbee Arizona, then moving to California, where they raised four daughters, creating a home filled with laughter, adventure, and love.
David taught his daughters to be capable and independent. He enlisted them to help him in his projects; building corrals, landscaping, fixing sprinklers, and so much more. Teaching them all along how to tackle challenges of all kinds with confidence. On countless family adventures, he taught each of them to waterski and snow ski, and created memories that would last a lifetime. Through it all, he provided unwavering guidance and loving support, always there when they needed him.
In 1974, IBM relocated David to Santa Barbara, bringing the family to the community they would call home. David retired from IBM in 1982 after a distinguished career, later finding new success in real estate, where his natural ability to connect with people and his integrity made him a trusted professional.
David’s zest for life was infectious. He and Dana traveled the world together, collecting memories and having adventures in every corner of the globe. Whether tracking mountain gorillas in Africa, scuba diving in tropical waters, or Sailing the Caribbean, David approached every adventure with boundless enthusiasm and, his family would lovingly attest, an occasionally optimistic assessment of his own abilities—a quality that made every outing all the more memorable.
A devoted member of the Santa Barbara community, David was a longtime member of the Valley Club, where he spent many happy times with close friends while developing his love-hate relationship with the sport of golf.
Those who knew David will remember him as a man who was never without a joke or story to tell—his humor and warmth drew people in and made every gathering brighter. Above all, he was devoted to his family, and especially to Dana, his cherished wife and favorite companion.
David is survived by his wife, Dana; his daughters, Holly of Anchorage, Alexa (Randy) Kowalczyk of Breckinridge CO, Kirsten of Boise ID, and Danielle of Santa Barbara CA; his brother William; five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, numerous extended family members, and friends whose lives he touched with his kindness, generosity, and unforgettable spirit.
No services are planned.
